1. plural of confraternity; associations or brotherhoods of lay people united for religious or charitable purposes, often within the Catholic Church.
Usage: formal; often historical or religious context
2. organizations of craftsmen or merchants in medieval and Renaissance Europe formed for mutual aid and regulation of their trade.
Usage: historical

Examples

• Medieval confraternities of weavers controlled the quality of cloth produced in the city.
• The confraternities organized processions and charitable works throughout the parish.
• Many confraternities were established during the Renaissance to support hospitals and orphanages.
• Members of the confraternities took vows of mutual assistance and brotherhood.
• The confraternities played an important role in preserving craft traditions and training apprentices.
• Religious confraternities continue to exist in some Catholic communities today.